Speech #870107299

I think we are deluding ourselves if we assume that a solution can be manufactured and simply imposed upon the situation. The solution must necessarily evolve from within the Middle East itself. In this connection the leadership and programs of UNRWA are of fundamental importance. for UNRWA programs are helping the Arab refugee in a way which contributes to stability in the Middle East. so that the forces that will shape the future of that area will work in a more orderly fashion. UNRWA programs. therefore. are part of the approach to a solution to the Middle East refugee problem. As such. the role of UNRWA has been succinctly defined by Dr. Davis: As I have often stated before. UNRWA itself cannot solve the Palestine refugee problem. nor should it attempt to do so. I believe that UNRWAs role should be (a) to provide relief assistance. including food. health services. and shelter in a manner which meets basic human needs. (b) to provide elementary and secondary [educational] opportunities for refugee children at a level compatible to standards prevailing in host countries. and (c) assist maturing refugee youth to develop in a manner that will enable them to become productive and useful persons. In addition to the humanitarian aspect of UNRWAs programs. there are also political and social aspects. I reiterate that such programs will not of themselves solve the refugee problem. But as part of the approach to a solution. such programs will place a brake upon the growth of refugee mentality. of frustration and bewilderment. with its powderkeg potentiality for area upheaval and instability. Such programs will also help to create a ready reservoir of trained manpower which in the foreseeable future can be used in the budding economic development of the entire Middle East. The history of the UNRWA programs indicates. aside from the humanitarian considerations. that they are a stabilizing influence in an overly sensitive area of the worlda factor. I repeat. which is important for the harmonious unfolding of the historical forces shaping the Middle East. and the ultimate solution to the Palestinian refugee problem. Dr. Davis has said. that "the challenge to any and all leadership with respect to the Palestinian problem is to solve the problem with equity. without war. and in a manner which enables the peoples of the Middle East to realize their deep aspirations for independence." Mr. President. UNRWA is helping to meet this challenge. I urge the Members of the Senate to support the Presidents foreign aid program now before us. and specifically that section of the bill authorizing a special American contribution to the UNRWA program. as part of the approach to a solution of the Palestinian refugee problem. The implementation of the foreign aid bill should include vigorous action for the economic and social development of the entire Middle East. The proposed contribution of the United States for fiscal year 1962 is $13.35 million. Some $4.85 million is unobligated from fiscal 1961. This is a justified contribution to a wellrun agency whose efforts have been so rewarding. and whose ambitious programs and aims are contributing to the world stability which we seek. It is true that a solution to the Palestinian refugee problem is perhaps no nearer today than it was a decade and millions of dollars ago. And the appearance of new pressures and forces in the Middle East. both internal and external. makes a final solution more problematical than ever. Nevertheless. the extreme sensitivity of the area. its present dangers and uncertainties. the pathos of refugee existence. provide a rather unique opportunitya challenge. I would sayfor the nations of the West to assert themselves even more decisively. Mr. President. it would be contrary to the interests of the free world and to the cause of peace and stability in the Middle East. and also a cruel disfavor to the refugees themselves. if we were not to show our active concern and support for UNRWA. The task of UNRWA is a noble one. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Refugees and Escapees I suggest the Senate recognize the necessity of UNRWAs success. I believe that in the coming year consideration should be given to an even greater contribution to UNRWA operations on the part of the United States. A thorough study should be made of UNRWAs programs and operations. which. together with those of the numerous dedicated voluntary agencies. are contributing significantly to the amelioration of human degradation and to the desired stability in the Middle East.